In our league (Cincinnati - Hamilton, Butler, and Warren Counties) back in the fifties I believe only one original Ballard rifle was still being used. However, there WERE some BSA Martini Int'ls outfitted by Distributor Al Freeland. I believe that we had fourteen clubs shooting in the league at that time. I had the distinct honor to be on the Winning team that set a League record one year. As an old smallboard shooter, I wax nostalgic everytime I see an old competition smallbore rifle. I too am happy to see one of the old Ballards on the shooting line at Etna Green.

Dale53

Froggy;
Maybe your mailman is a closet damnyankee? What cha' think?

Dale53

The schuetzen miester at the shoot I go to has an Eric Johnson Ballard and a martini international, don't know what mark. He says they both shoot about equal, which is real damn good! I have seen him let others shoot the Ballard and shoot some nice groups, one Lady shot right around 3/4 inch with it once with wolf ammo. And he's no slouch with them either! I really enjoy getting to see a piece like that and watching someone get the chance to shoot it. Living history.

I had a Eric Johnson barreled Ballard for a few months. Friend of mine bought it with a lot of Weatherbys which he collects and wanted to get rid of it. It had been convereted to a smallbore prone rifle, I guess in the early 50's. It was pretty ugly to tell the truth. Stock was particulary bad.  It had a nice B&L Balvar that was in perfect shape. And the barrel was perfect inside.

I wanted to convert it to a Gallery Schuetzen and even asked  Ballard about doing the work. They said it would be better to buy a new rifle and sell the Johnson Ballard to a collector.  Good advice I thought.

Problem with that is who collects converted smallbore prone rifles ? not many people. I ended up selling it to another friend who is a ASSRA member and shoots the rifle rimifire benchrest. It's real accurate.

Collectors are a funny bunch. Paying double for rifles that have cardbord boxes and making a point of not touching a Rifle that had been about ruined by a 50's gunsmith.  None were standing in line to buy this one and since my friend likes it and I did not loose anything I guess it was worthwhile.

Will have to look at that P/S as I always wondered if Johnson actualy did the conversion on the one I owned or more likely only carried his barrel.

Boats

Boats

I've owned and examined a number of rifles made by both Eric and C.C. (no relation) Johnson. It's pretty apparent from inspection, and confirmed by other enthusiasts, that neither man did much stockwork. They were both primarily master metalsmiths and the rifle owners had the stocks built by someone else. All the stocks I've seen looked like they were made by an amateur butcher in the dark with gloves on.

Too bad, 'cause the metalwork is really superior.
Good luck, Joe

Several years ago I purchased a CC Johnson built .22-3000 for the action (it had a blocked barrel.)  The stock was the second ugliest high-wall stock I have ever seen, but the metal work, including the speed lock conversion without half cock and a hand built single set trigger seemed first rate.

In conversations with CC's grandson, it turns out that JD Steele is correct in his statement that much if not all of the wood generally seen on CC's rifles was done by one of the other artisans of the area.  I have seen stuff which I think he did himself for his own family and I would say he COULD do the work quite well, but probably preferred the metal work and was willing to "spread the wealth" and let somebody else do the stock work.   

Perhaps Jerry will chime in here with further details and if I am incorrect in my froggie memory, I apologize in advance! 

Froggie

there's mor'n one of'em out there .  At EG we could have an UGLY BUTTstock award with little effort.